Finding the best LLC service in California to form a limited liability company (LLC) is an important step in the California LLC formation process.
In the past, forming a company was a time-consuming and expensive process. Companies had to wait months for their legal entity to be established. They also had to hire lawyers and fill out a lot of paperwork.
However, not everyone can afford a lawyer, and many people are hesitant to file documents on their own.
What's the solution? Online business formation services. They are a growing trend for entrepreneurs.
I've analyzed and ranked the best LLC formation services in California. This article will provide the results of my findings, including the good and bad among the various pricing plans and features of the top ten best California LLC formation services.
Northwest Registered Agent ($39 LLC Formation & One Year Registered Agent Service)
Starting a business in California is an exciting endeavor. If you're considering forming a limited liability company (LLC), you're on the right track. An LLC offers liability protection and flexibility, making it a popular choice for California entrepreneurs. However, navigating the California LLC formation process can be complex. That's where online LLC California formation services come in. But how do you find the best California LLC services?
A California limited liability company is a business structure that separates your personal assets from your business liabilities. This means if your business faces legal issues or debts, your personal assets, like your home and savings, are typically protected. If you are wondering what is a California registered agent this is a required part of forming an LLC in California.
For many, the question is not if, but how to form an LLC in California online. Online formation services simplify the process. They handle the paperwork, filings, and even provide valuable resources, saving you time and potential headaches. This is why many people look for the best online LLC formation California.
Choose a Business Name: Ensure your chosen name is unique and available through the Secretary of State California business search.
Appoint a Registered Agent: You'll need a California registered agent for LLC to receive legal documents on your behalf.
File Articles of Organization California: This is the core document that officially establishes your LLC.
Create an Operating Agreement: While not mandatory, a California LLC operating agreement clarifies ownership and management.
Obtain an EIN: An EIN application California (Employer Identification Number) is required for tax purposes.
Maintain Business Compliance California: Stay on top of annual reports and other state requirements.
When searching for California LLC formation services, consider these factors:
California LLC Formation Packages: Look for packages that fit your needs and budget.
California LLC Filing Services: Ensure they handle all necessary filings with the state.
LLC California Cost: Compare pricing and understand what's included. Are they a Cheap LLC California service, or a premium service?
Registered Agent Service: Many services include a registered agent; ensure they are reliable.
Customer Support: Choose a service with responsive and helpful support.
Additional Factors to Consider:
Articles of organization California: This is the core document that officially establishes your LLC.
Business formation California: The overall process of setting up your business.
Business taxes California: Understanding your tax obligations is crucial.
Limited liability: The core benefit of an LLC.
Small business California: LLCs are a popular choice for small businesses.
Business entity: The legal structure of your business.
Business name availability: Checking if your chosen name is available.
California business registration: The process of registering your business with the state.
LLC filing fees California: The costs associated with filing your LLC paperwork.
California business law: Understanding the legal requirements for businesses in California.
Online business services California: Services that help you manage your business online.
California entrepreneur: Supporting and encouraging entrepreneurship in California.
Business startup California: The process of starting a new business in California.
California company formation: The process of forming a company in California.
Business structure California: Choosing the right structure for your business.
Addressing Specific Concerns:
California LLC vs corporation: Understand the differences to choose the right structure.
California LLC tax implications: Be aware of how your LLC will be taxed.
California LLC formation requirements: Ensure you meet all state requirements.
California LLC operating agreement: Even though it is not always required, it is highly suggested.
How to form an LLC in California online: The step-by-step process.
Form LLC in California: Taking the necessary steps to create your LLC.
California LLC business structure: The internal organization of your LLC.
Online LLC services have made it easy for anyone to form a new business entity. Only a few data points about your company will be required by the service provider. Online filing services can prepare and file your California entity documents with the California Secretary of State for you.
Northwest is the our top choice in California for llc formation, and they are also the top of business websites LLC Radar and Business808.
Online incorporation services are quick and inexpensive, allowing you to establish a legal business entity in California and their registered agents in California can assist with ongoing compliance matters.
Headquarters: Spokane, WA
Family-owned and operated
Offices in 50 states
900 employees nationwide
'Privacy by Default'
https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com
I think Northwest Registered Agent’s LLC formation service provides the most features and best prices compared to any of the other California LLC services.
Northwest has offices in each of the 50 states.
They offer the best pricing and level of service in California
$39 LLC formation with one year of registered agent service included
They were the first to offer local scanning for all documents they received as national registered agents service providers. Competitors scan only those government documents that are legally required.
Northwest is also my top choice in California for registered agent services
Northwest Pros and Cons
Pros
Reasonable prices
Privacy
Volume discounts
For any formation, free registered agent service for 12 month
All documents can be scanned locally
Cons
There are some cheaper options for standalone services.
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Free Registered Agent service for the first year
20 Years Experience
1,000,000+ Formations
Quick Processing
https://www.Bizee.com
Bizee is one of the market's best and most experienced incorporation and business formation platforms. Bizee was launched in 2004 and has been used to create more than 1,000,000 businesses.
Bizee is quick, simple, and affordable.
Bizee provides California incorporation and business formation services such as LLCs, S-Corporations (C-Corporations), and nonprofits.
Plans: Silver $0, Gold $199, Platinum $299
Bizee makes it easy to create your business. You only need to pay the state filing fees.
All plans include verifying company name availability, preparation and filing articles the next day, online status tracking, and online document access.
Registered agent service is also available for free for one year.
Bizee allows you to add premium services such as EIN services and operating agreements to your base package. You can also upgrade to a package to get your plan's benefits. Prices can vary from one state or the another.
Bizee Pros & Cons
Pros
Reasonable pricing for registered agent service
No cost business formation
Nearly 20 years of experience
12-month registration agent free with the purchase
Cons
Numerous add-ons and upsells
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Filing and formation start at $49 a Month
LLC Services
Incorporation Services
Registered Agent Services
https://zenbusiness.com
ZenBusiness allows anyone to quickly and easily start a business. They offer California LLC services, incorporation, and registered agent services. ZenBusiness also provides DBA services (doing business under) names, EIN services, and business name reservations.
They assist customers from naming their LLC to selecting a registered agent, applying for an EIN, and filings for the Certificate of Formation and Articles of Organization.
Plans start at $49 plus state fees. The rates may vary based on the state you are located in and your business type. It is worth noting, however, that the Entry-Level 'Starter Plan' does not include an EIN filing. However, it is available with the Pro and Premium plans. ZenBusiness offers registered agent services as an extra add-on for an additional price of $99/year.
ZenBusiness Pros & Cons
Pros
Affordable prices
'Worry-free' compliance
A free annual report is included with the formation service
Very positive customer reviews
Customer support, including Saturdays
Cons
There are cheaper options.
Registered agent service is optional for an additional fee
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Harbor Compliance has provided compliance services to 35,000 businesses since 2012.
A group of government licensing specials created the foundation.
There are offices in 50 states.
https://www.harborcompliance.com/
Harbor Compliance guarantees that your documents will arrive within 24 hours of receiving them. This is an expedited turnaround service if you have an urgent requirement. A variety of compliance services are also offered by the platform.
This platform is great for companies with multiple licensing or compliance requirements who want everything to be in one place.
Who can use their services? Harbor Compliance is a great choice for California companies requiring compliance and registered agent services.
Harbor Compliance Pros and Cons
Pros
Personalized customer service
Experts in compliance nationwide
Compliance software 'Entity Manager'
Processing speed
Auto-billing is prohibited
Cons
Services that are more costly than those offered by other providers
The service of a registered agent differs from the main features
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LegalZoom was established in 2001. It has served more than 3.6 million customers.
They have thousands of online reviews with a fair amount of both positive and negative feedback.
LegalZoom is the most expensive LLC formation service that I have found.
They have a strong brand name and charge a premium for their service.
LegalZoom can be reached between 10 and 8 ET on weekdays and 10 to 7 ET on weekends.
https://www.legalzoom.com
LegalZoom is another contender for the best California LLC service. Their impressive customer base is a testament to this. LegalZoom allows you to connect with a company that has extensive experience in the legal services industry.
They charge more for registered agent services than any other options in this guide. LegalZoom does not offer registered agent services with any of its formation packages. Express Gold ($349) does not offer registered agent services. They charge $299 per year for registered agent service.
LegalZoom Pros & Cons
Pros
20+ years of experience
Ongoing legal services are available
60-day refund policy
Talk to an attorney (Additional fee)
Satisfaction guaranteed
Cons
High Prices
There is no registration agent in any business formation package
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Rocket Lawyer is similar to LegalZoom, but it's not as expensive. I could not find anything to get excited about with Rocket Lawyer. Nothing stands out as exceptional.
Rocket Lawyer charges $99 for basic LLC formation services in California.
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InCorp is similar to Harbor Compliance, they charge $117 to file your Articles of Organization and assist with drafting your California LLC Operating Agreement.
The computer system they use is complicated to manage. For such a complicated system, their customer service is inadequate. They have room for improvement.
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Swyft Filings offers full-service registration and can help with your Certificate of Formation. You can also receive legal mail from the California Secretary of State through the company's California business address.
LLC formation prices are $49 plus $149/yr for registered agent service. That's $198 + state fee—nothing interesting here. Northwest provides the same services for $39 + state fee.
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BizFilings, another California LLC provider, charges $99 for the basic package. This includes assistance in filing your formation documents and a year of their registered agent services. Compliance alerts are also included.
They do not offer other essential services such as business tax assessment, your Operating Agreement assistance, or an online document storage portal. So, for $99, you get less value for your dollar.
Despite being a specialized service with more than two decades of expertise, BizFilings failed to impress us because of various factors, including their overall cost, processing speed, and practice of enrolling customers with their registered agent service with no opt-out opportunity when signing up online.
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Incorporate.com provides business services, including business formations and registered agent services. For $99, they assist with filing your Articles of Organization and offer an online portal. CSC Global is the company that owns and operates them. This company has a long history.
MyCompanyWorks has a basic package that costs $79 and includes assistance with Articles of Organization, Operating Agreement assistance, an online account to store legal documents, compliance alerts, and assistance with registering with the California Secretary of State.
They have 3,900+ online reviews on the ShopperApproved website, most of which are positive.
You will need to buy their premium package for $279 if you want California registered agent service. This is quite expensive compared to the other LLC services on the top of my list.
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Inc Authority likes to promote its "free LLC" service, but things get very pricey when you add the needed features.
Both Inc Authority and Bizee promote their "free LLC," but between the two LLC services, I prefer Bizee.
You will need to buy their $399 basic package if you require assistance drafting an Operating Agreement, accessing an EIN, or a company seal. You will also need to buy their premium $799 package if you want to receive a year of their commercial registered agent service.
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Tailor Brands is a bit different than the others on my list. Like their name says, they 'tailor' business brands. Tailor Brands promotes itself as a company that provides a complete service to business owners, including compliance and LLC formation, logo design, and branding features. Tailor Brands offers one $49 formation plan. Additional services like registered agent are $199/yr, and assistance with getting an EIN they charge $99.
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Incorporate Fast offers California LLC formation services at a low $99 price. This includes assistance with filing documents, and they provide an LLC Operating Agreement template. They also provide sample documents that can be used to help you set up your California LLC.
Their best feature is that they will process and file your documents within 24 hours of receipt. This is something other LLC services can't promise.
Although they don't offer a business tax assessment or an online document storage portal, you can upgrade to their $199 package and get an EIN.
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CorpNet has been in the business formation space for over 20 years. CorpNet will file the California LLC documents and provide compliance alerts in order to maintain good standing with the Secretary of State. CorpNet's pricing starts at $79.
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Direct Incorporation offers LLC formations that include a banking resolution as well as an Employer Identification number. They charge $174 for these services. If you need an LLC operating agreement, you need to get the next package at $297. They also offer logo design, trademarks, a business website, and email.
What type of business are you planning to start? Which type of business do you plan to start?
Although most LLC services are able to work with all types of entities, some are more suited for one type than others. An LLC may not require the same LLC formation service as an S-Corp. Some LLC formation services are better suited for nonprofits.
You can do some research to find out which type of entity the LLC formation service works with. If they are similar to yours, it might be a good fit.
A good LLC service will make sure that you comply with all applicable laws.
You can make sure you meet deadlines and fulfill requirements by looking for California LLC services that send reminders via email or SMS. You may also receive compliance guides or additional materials from some services.
It is easy to determine who distinguishes between those who only do the minimum and those who go above and beyond.
Privacy is one of the top benefits of an LLC service that provides registered agent services. The LLC formation service's address will be public but not your home or office address.
An LLC formation service in California can help with legal documents and correspondence. Many registered agents offer mail forwarding rather than mail storage. Others will securely upload your documents to an online dashboard you can access remotely.
It's important to ask the LLC service if they plan to sell your private information. Free LLC services might make money by upselling additional services, including accounting, website hosting, and insurance.
It is a good idea for LLC formation and registered agent service to be the same company.
Many business formation companies offer incentives like a free year of registered agent service with LLC formations.
California LLC formation service services typically cost $100 per year. Some might charge $50 less or more. However, you shouldn't have to pay more unless you go with a brand name like LegalZoom.
While some businesses might use an attorney to assist with an LLC formation, it will likely cost more than the services provided in this guide.
Combining your LLC service with a good registered agent is often the best way of getting the most value for your money.
California LLC services should be able to help you if you have any questions.
This is an important part of a service assessment for LLC services. This can be done by phone, in person, or online.
Before you make any decisions, it is a good idea to read customer reviews. Many customer reviews will contain comments about the support they received. These remarks can help you make a decision if you aren't sure which option you should choose.
When I began my initial research into California LLC services, I came across more than 20 available services. When trying to find the best California LLC formation services, I found the internet useful for researching customer reviews.
Customer reviews contained hundreds of negative comments. Some were unhappy with the lack of basic services, while others were dissatisfied with high prices and poor customer service.
I was able to get rid of most of the bad LLC services and left with 10 promising businesses. I avoided companies that were brand new and lacked experience.
I visited the websites of the remaining agents to see what claims they made and the promises they made. I was able to find enough evidence for me to evaluate them thoroughly.
Many newcomers are entering the LLC formation service market. I established criteria that experience must be at least five years. ZenBusiness is one of the newer companies, but they have been in business for a little over five years now.
Most of the services in my top five have nearly 20 years of experience.
I also looked at reviews of the company before the pandemic. While LLC services filed documents and worked with understaffed state government agencies, the delays were numerous. This resulted in more negative reviews than normal. Most of these processing delays began in early 2020 and ended around mid-2021.
I evaluated the customer reviews for several years up to the most current ones.
After weeks of research and eliminating many top LLC formation services, I finally settled on a list of the top five services. My top choices were Northwest, Bizee, ZenBusiness, Harbor Compliance, and LegalZoom.
Northwest assigned a friendly and knowledgeable 'Corporate Guide' to assist us and answer any questions we might have. The formation process was a breeze. I found the price of $39 reasonable and affordable, and I liked that Northwest placed a lot of importance on customer privacy.
Northwest LLC formation service is the best California LLC formation service. From my own experience, I'm pleased to recommend them. They provide reliable, affordable services that ensure compliance with California laws. Their customer service is unmatched in the market for both LLC formation services.
The Northwest LLC formation service has all the features you require. Northwest has 50 offices in 50 states. Their motto is 'Privacy By Default.'
They ensured that my Certificate of Formation was filed with the Secretary of State. I was also provided with a physical address to use in order to make sure that no personal information was published.
They uploaded all relevant legal documents, scanned them, and sent them to me via my online document portal. Compliance alerts reminded me of important filing deadlines. They ensure that my company is in compliance with the state.
The company's greatest asset is its customer service from its 'Corporate Guides.'
Before choosing Northwest, I often received generic responses from the support teams while shopping for an LLC service. Before I asked them a question, I could guess their answers. Northwest is a completely different story.
The Northwest 'Corporate Guides' are California business regulations and compliance experts.
They were there to support me at every step of my business creation. They helped me create a company marketing plan and recruit the best employees.
Final Thoughts:
Starting an LLC in California can be a smooth process with the right information and resources. By understanding the requirements and choosing a reputable online LLC California formation service, you can focus on building your business. Remember to compare California LLC formation packages and consider factors like registered agent service and LLC California cost. With careful planning, your California LLC will be off to a successful start.
Analysis of the top limited liability company formation services in California concluded that Northwest Registered Agent is the best LLC service for most people in California or any state.